Hoops clears Sevens hurdle
Olympic hopes alive as ex Wallabies skipper to debut
Former Wallabies captain Michael Hooper has finally been selected to make his international debut for the Australian Sevens team in a boost to his dream of making the Paris Olympics.
Hampered by an achilles injury since announcing he was joining the Sevens program, Hooper has been patiently waiting for his chance and will now get to show what he can do on the sport’s biggest stage.
A controversial omission from Eddie Jones’s squad for last year’s disastrous 15-a-side World Cup in France, Hooper has been selected to make his sevens debut in Hong Kong.
Running from April 5-7, Hong Kong is unrivalled as the most prestigious tournament on the World Cup calendar.
Next weekend’s edition takes on added importance because it’s also the key dress rehearsal before the Paris Olympics.
Following 125 caps for the
Wallabies, Hooper, 32, has been named in a 13-man squad alongside veteran playmaker Maurice Longbottom, who missed the recent legs in Vancouver and Los Angeles with a calf injury but has been cleared to return. “We’re really excited about heading back to Hong Kong, where we have had some recent success,” Australian coach John Manenti said. “Our performances in LA were some of our best this season and we have the opportunity to be better again next week.
“We welcome back Maurice Longbottom, who will add some spark in the midfield, and for the first time we’ll get to see Michael Hooper in an Australian Sevens jersey.
“‘Hoops’ has worked hard to make his way into the squad and we’re all delighted to welcome the rookie into the mix … It will be a learning experience for him and an important start point to a potential Paris Olympics.”
The Australian women’s sevens team, which is ranked No.1 in the world, has made three changes to its squad for Hong Kong. Bienne Terita and Heidi Dennis both return to the side, while Bridget Clark will make her debut.